Water dissolves echidnas, startled scientists find

Monotreme society outraged

DNA from a San Diego Zoo echidna, like this one named Victor, is being mapped by a Chinese genetic sequencing center as part of the 10K Genome Projects. The Australian natives are one of only two mammals that lay eggs. At 57, Victor is the oldest living mammal at the zoo.
— K.C. Alfred

DNA from a San Diego Zoo echidna, like this one named Victor, is being mapped by a Chinese genetic sequencing center as part of the 10K Genome Projects. The Australian natives are one of only two mammals that lay eggs. At 57, Victor is the oldest living mammal at the zoo.
— K.C. Alfred

Dihydrogen monoxide disintegrates echidnas when immersed in the deadly liquid, researchers at the Ig Nobel awards have found.

The oddball mammals, native to Australia and New Guinea, have a previously unknown link to the Wicked Witch of the West, said postdoctoral researchers Ras Putin and Father Damian.

"Echidnas are noted for their status of egg-laying mammals who lactate without nipples," said Curly Fries, a noted monotremologist not involved in the research. "But now we must add the characteristic of being dissolved by water to their weirdo attributes."

Victor the Echidna contributed to this story in return for termites, delicious termites.